Thermal Imaging Detects Mold

By: Michelle Tunquist

Mold may be a problem in your home even if you can’t see it with your naked eye. Anywhere moisture can accumulate, mold can grow. Even if you can’t see between your walls, mold can still hide there. An unknown water leak behind a wall can create the perfect, warm, damp environment where mold loves to hide. Though you can’t see the mold, you may still be affected by it. If you think you have mold, Tobin Cleaning and Restoration can do a non-invasive check using thermal imaging.

Signs of a Mold Problem

Even if you can’t see the mold growing behind your walls, you may still see/experience signs. The following are signs that you may have an undetected mold problem:

Mold Symptoms: Mold can cause havoc on your body even if you don’t know it is there. You may think you have a cold or are experiencing seasonal allergies. However, the culprit may be the mold in your home. If your symptoms improve when you are away from home, or if more than one person is suffering, you may want to consider that mold may be the problem. The following are a variety of symptoms that can be caused by mold growth in your home:

Asthma

Sore Eyes

Itchy Skin

Runny Nose

Sneezing

Coughing

Sore Throat

Dizziness

Headaches

Trouble concentrating

Feeling faint

Hair loss

Diarrhea

Tiredness

Fatigue

Nausea

Mold Smell. You may not be able to see it, but it is possible that you can smell it. The smell of mold is a good indicator that there is mold lurking somewhere.

Seeing Mold. Sometimes if you have mold that you can see, there is more where you can’t see. Seeing mold is a good indication that you should also have your home inspected for unseen sources as well.

Humidity. High humidity in your home can create the ideal environment for mold growth. If you have high humidity, it is a good idea to get a mold inspection, and purchase a dehumidifier to prevent future mold growth.

Water Leaks. Mold loves to grow in warm, damp areas. Water leaks are a prime space for mold growth. If you have a water leak, get it fixed as soon as possible, and also check for mold. Sometimes pipes in the walls leak, and you may not know you have the leak until after the problem has grown.

Rust. Rust is a sign of moisture in your home. It can be caused by humidity, condensation or a leak. If you find rust, take a closer look to find the cause and determine whether mold has been allowed to invade as well.

Warping. Warping is another sign of moisture in your home. This can also be caused by humidity, condensation or a leak.

Blocked Gutters. When your gutters are blocked, water is prevented from running down the gutters and away from your home. That water still needs to go somewhere, and that might just be inside your home. If your gutters are blocked, take a closer look to see whether any water damage has occurred.

Poor Ventilation. Poor ventilation prevents airflow and keeps moisture from drying out. If you know that you have a ventilation problem, it is important to keep that space free of moisture. Bathrooms are a place where moisture is expected and poor airflow can keep it from drying out. Use fans, or crack windows to improve ventilation.

Where Mold Grows

Mold can grow anywhere that is damp. Mold loves warm, damp areas and can grow on most surfaces, including:

Drywall

Under Tiles

Between Floor Boards

Carpets

Thermal Imaging Uses

Thermal imaging is a great tool for detecting problems in the home where it is difficult to see with the naked eye. This technology can be used to detect many problems in the home, including:

Moisture and Leaks

Poor Ventilation

Faulty Insulation

Leaking Roofs

Heat Loss

How Thermal Imaging Works

Thermal Imaging uses infrared technology to find damage caused by moisture. The camera can see thermal energy that is visible in the infrared spectrum. It doesn’t detect mold, but it does detect moisture. It can be used to discover moisture damage to ceilings, roofs, floors, and carpets. Just a small amount of water can take a long time to dry out, especially if it is located in a place that doesn’t get ventilation. Tobin Cleaning and Restoration uses the thermal imaging camera to locate moisture damage that may cause mold. It is a great tool because it is:

Non-contact

Non-invasive

This means it is easy to check for mold behind walls without causing structural damage.

Using the Right Tools

Tobin Cleaning and Restoration prides itself on using the right tools for the right job. By using thermal imaging technology, we can discover the source of water damage without causing additional damage to your home. If you think you may have a mold problem, give us a call today for a mold inspection.

Our Idaho Falls cleaning and restoration company is with you from START TO FINISH. If you’ve experienced damage at your home or business, call us anytime, 24/7 at (208) 523-1080. Haven’t decided who to choose? You can contact us at any time for a free estimate and inspection of your damaged areas.